The Athletic FC Podcast

Why Chelsea & Lukaku still need each other

<p>While Lukaku's disappointing loan spell at Inter is coming to an end, Chelsea's problems in front of goal show no signs of abating, so, is it time for a reunion? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss...</p><p>Was the infamous <em>Sky Italia</em> interview the last straw for then head coach Thomas Tuchel, and could Lukaku's return actually help the club's muddled recruitment strategy start to make sense on the pitch?</p><p>Plus, James Horncastle reflects on the striker's time in Italy, why June 30th is such an important date in Todd Boehly's calendar and why the whole Lukaku situation may become an uncomfortably familiar one for supporters in the near future.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Have Arsenal lost 'control' of title race?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton &amp; journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke.</p><p>If last week at Anfield was perhaps a point gained, then yesterday at the London stadium was definitely two points dropped.</p><p>Losing 'control' at crucial moments in games, have they lost control of the title race?</p><p>How much has Arsenal's lack of depth in squad hurt them and what do they need to do in the summer to address this?</p><p>The Athletic's David Ornstein brings the latest news on Arsenal's purist of Declan Rice.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Man City hitting their groove, are Aston Villa heading for Europe & Roy's revival at Palace continues

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Dean Smith prepares to take charge of Leicester City for the first time away at a red-hot Man City.</p><p>Elsewhere two of the Premier League's form sides meet at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, plus Matt Woosnam gives us the lowdown on Crystal Palace's resurgence under a returning Roy Hodgson.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Vincent Kompany the next elite manager?

<p>Vincent Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League in impressive fashion but is he destined for even greater things?</p><p>Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Sam Lee &amp; Andy Jones to assess Kompany's potential to join the ranks of the elite, with Pep Guardiola already talking him up as a future Manchester City manager.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How can Barcelona re-sign Lionel Messi?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona writer Pol Ballus and PSG writer Peter Rutzler to debate the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona two years on from leaving.</p><p>The panel assess how the La Liga side could afford a move for their former star, his relationship with the PSG supporters having been booed in recent home matches, while his name has been chanted at Camp Nou.</p><p>Plus, what commercial impact could it have on PSG if he were to leave and if not Barcelona what other options are open to Messi?</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Guardiola v Tuchel: Don't overthink it

<p>Man City may be firing on all cylinders in the Premier League but the <em>Champions League</em> has humbled them in the past. Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Rafa Honigstein and Sam Lee - ahead of their first-leg quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich - to discuss 'over-thinking it', Haaland's form and a familiar face in the opposition dugout...</p><p>But has Thomas Tuchel, parachuted into Munich as he was at Chelsea in 2021, had enough time to mould Bayern Munich in his image, plus Pep's Bayern legacy, Cancelo-gate and if the treble is actually on?</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson and Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Arsenal succumb to ‘Anfield effect’

<p>The Premier League title race stepped up a notch following Sunday's game of the season contender at Anfield as Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils with two-all draw.</p><p>So what is it about Anfield that causes teams to slip up or sense to go out the window? How much margin for error is there now for Arsenal and City? </p><p>Ian Irving is joined by Adam Crafton and Oli Kay to assess the damage for Arsenal and state of play in the title race.</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Arsenal face Anfield obstacle, Lampard returns & Newcastle full of firepower in top four hunt

<p>Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the Easter Weekend's Premier League action.</p><p>League leaders Arsenal head to Liverpool while Man City visit Southampton ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich.</p><p>Meanwhile, the panel get into the latest managerial movements with Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea, plus, there's a check-in on the race for a top four finish with Newcastle moving into pole position.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lampard’s Chelsea return - does it actually make sense?

<p>Just when you think you've said all that you can about Chelsea in one week, they appoint Frank Lampard as caretaker manager. Joining host Ian Irving to discuss Lampard's return are the Athletic's Oli Kay, Stu James and Rob Tanner.</p><p>As the merry-go-round spins ever faster there's also a look at the wider managerial picture and in particular the future of Brendan Rodgers. A man with trophies and plenty of experience under his belt but why isn't be being considered for one of the big jobs available? Is it all a question of timing or are you always judged by your most recent failure?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Jurgen Klopp untouchable?

<p>Jurgen Klopp described himself as the "last man standing" on Monday. It was a tongue in cheek comment but equally an odd one to bring up at a time when Liverpool are, yet again this season, in a rut. So is the great man untouchable or can he rebuild his way out?</p><p>Joining Ian Irving to talk through the current state of Liverpool and what Klopp can learn from his previous job as Borussia Dortmund boss it's Raphael Honigstein and Caoimhe O'Neill</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inside Potter's 'Surreal' Chelsea Reign

<p>Yesterday, we brought you the news that Chelsea head coach Graham Potter had been sacked by Chelsea, today, host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to reveal the full story of how things unravelled for Potter in West London...</p><p>A playing squad too big to fit into one dressing room, who really wields the power at Cobham, why Bruno Salter and other coaches are likely to still be in charge when the team head to the Bernabeu next week and the "Harry Hogwarts" moniker that underpinned a mutiny.</p><p>Plus, an update from David on the search for the next permanent manager and why the owners might struggle to find the perfect candidate.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Potter’s Chelsea departure explained

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton &amp; Simon Johnson to discuss the sacking of Graham Potter as Chelsea manager.</p><p>The panel detail why Chelsea acted now, who is in the frame to take over and where might Potter end up next.</p><p>There is also reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving his role as Leicester manager - could he be in line to be the new Chelsea manager?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Liverpool look to scupper City's Treble chances, Newcastle look to settle a score & Tottenham's turmoil deepens

<p>As Manchester City prepare to take on Liverpool at the Etihad, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of the weekend's Premier League action.</p><p>The panel analyse Bukayo Saka's sensational form and ask whether he can rival Erling Haaland for the PFA Player of the Year award, Newcastle are out for revenge for Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United as well as the latest at Tottenham in a week full of incident and drama.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Klopp or Guardiola? How do you assess a manager?

<p class="ql-align-justify">Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers &amp; Oli Kay to debate how managers &amp; head coaches in the Premier League should be assessed and rated when they are appointed.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Two managers widely regarded as the best face each other in The Premier League this weekend as Manchester City &amp; Pep Guardiola play Liverpool led by Jurgen Klopp..</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Who is the better manager? Or are they just the right fit for their respective clubs? </p><p class="ql-align-justify">Meanwhile Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, with multiple European trophies on his CV takes on Graham Potter who got the Chelsea job following excellent work at Brighton..</p><p class="ql-align-justify">How would you compare those two? </p><p class="ql-align-justify">Is it on trophies or overachievement? Or is it something else?</p><p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United: the tightest title race in WSL history?

<p>Four big teams, three points separate them, but only one of them will lift the WSL trophy - and one of them won't be playing Champions League football next year either. This season's WSL is the most competitive it's been at the top for some time. Joining Mark Chapman to run the rule over where each team will be fantastic and fallible it's The Athletic's women's football editor Chloe Morgan, writer Charlotte Harpur, and host of The Athletic Women's Football Podcast Lynsey Hooper. </p><p>Listen as the panel go through where Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal's strengths and weaknesses lie and make a case for why each team could win the league.</p><p>Yet there's one side that could actually be the disruptors to all this and decide where the title goes... Hint: it's not one of the big four. </p><p>Produced by: Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Harry Kane & Manchester United both have a 'Big Decision' to make this summer

<p>Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Adam Crafton to reflect on Steven Gerrard's recent comments about Harry Kane and the 'big decision' he is once again facing over his future at Spurs...</p><p>Has the lure of winning silverware elsewhere been softened by breaking both the England and Tottenham all-time scoring records and does the modern striker pride individual records over team success? Is Manchester United the only realistic domestic option for Kane and can they afford him this summer amid FFP concerns?</p><p>Plus, how Spurs' plan to hire 'win-now' managers like Conte and Mourinho in order to satisfy Kane's ambitions, backfired, what kind of manager they could turn to next and how Kane's arrival at Manchester United would impact Marcus Rashford's resurgence.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Conte gone - Nagelsmann next for Spurs?

<p>Mark Chapman get's reaction from The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brooke to Antonio Conte leaving his role as manager at Tottenham.</p><p>Meanwhile Bayern Munich also made a managerial change as they sacked one of Europe's top young coaches, Julian Nagelsmann. The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Hongistein &amp; also former Premier League &amp; Bundesliga striker Jan Åge Fjørtoft share their insight. </p><p> Would Julian Nagelsmann be a good fit at Spurs? </p><p>And was Spurs moving to sack Conte a reason for Bayern move for Thomas Tuchel so quickly?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How important is the manager to a club's success?

<p>Hi guys. What you’re about to hear is a recent episode of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast where the panel - consisting of Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Ali Maxwell - discuss whether we can truly measure the importance of a manager to a club’s fortunes.</p><p>They explore the evolution of a manager’s role, from basic admin roles to becoming the central figurehead of a club in the modern day. Will there be a time soon when a manager’s influence is overtaken by the views and opinions of a club’s data department? And is the ‘new manager bounce’ actually a myth?</p><p>If you like the show make sure to visit their extensive back catalogue of episodes. Just search for The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Harry Kane makes England history, Zlatan set for Sweden return & Premier League state of play

<p>Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Steve Freeth and Nick Miller as they react to England beginning their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a win over Italy.</p><p>Oli Kay sends his thoughts on Harry Kane becoming England's all-time leading scorer in Naples, Tim Spiers is in Stockholm ahead of a potential international return for Zlatan Ibrahimovic aged 41.</p><p>Plus, the panel take stock of what's happening in the Premier League ahead of the final throws of the campaign following this week's international action.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Could Barcelona lose their best player for free this summer?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writers Pol Ballus &amp; Laia Cervelló Herrero.</p><p>After victory against Real Madrid sent them 12 points clear, Barcelona might have La Liga all wrapped up.</p><p>But their problems are never far away, and now news that their young star Gavi could leave Camp Nou for free with a legal battle over his registration..</p><p>So what’s happened in this latest off the field issue &amp; how will the club deal with it? Will Gavi really leave Barcelona?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Super League ghosts, Global v Local fans & Ceferin's Multi-Club mess - The Future of Football: Part Two

<p>Following yesterday's foray into the <strong>big</strong> issues facing international football, host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Matt Slater, Laura Williamson &amp; Adam Crafton turn their attention to the club game...</p><p>Why FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plans for a <em>new</em> Club World Cup was an inevitable response to the Super League idea, how 'global' and 'match-going' Premier League supporters are on a collision course, why the Manchester United takeover raises more problems for multi-club ownership rules and won't somebody think of the players!</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Infantino, a 48-team World Cup & Visit Saudi - The Future of Football: Part One

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, and Laura Williamson to discuss the biggest changes to international football.</p><p>In the week that FIFA announced an expanded 48 team World Cup, extended Gianni Infantino's reign as President, and dropped 'Visit Saudi' as a potential sponsor for the Women's World Cup, we ask what state international football is in, and whether FIFA are getting the big decisions right?</p><br><p>00:00 - Intro</p><p>01:20 - Infantino re-elected FIFA President</p><p>08:50 - The expanded Men's World Cup</p><p>20:00 - The Women's World Cup</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

When will Tottenham and Conte’s ‘weird marriage’ end?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt Brook &amp; James Horncastle to reflect on Antonio Conte verbal attack on his Tottenham players and the entire culture and direction of the football club after his side let a two goal lead slip at Southampton.</p><p>In an astonishing outburst he branded his players “selfish”, said that they only play “for themselves”, and suggested that there was a culture of underachievement at the club.</p><p>So will his exit as boss come sooner rather than later?</p><p>Where any of the criticisms he made valid?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Palace give Patrick Vieira the push, will Saint Selles save Southampton & Dyche's Dogs of War head to the Bridge

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Dan Barnes and bet365's Steve Freeth for a relegation special, ahead of this weekend's Premier League action.</p><p>With Patrick Vieira sacked by Crystal Palace, ahead of a visit to Arsenal, the panel give their reaction as well as speculating over who could take the reigns at Selhurst Park.</p><p>Jacob Tanswell shares the tale of Southampton's sorry season, prior to taking on Tottenham - and Paddy Boyland discusses Sean Dyche's impact at Everton with the Toffees travelling to Stamford Bridge this weekend.</p><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</p><br><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Patrick Vieira & Crystal Palace - what's gone wrong?

<p>Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield on Matt Woosnam to discuss what has gone wrong for Patrick Vieira as manager of Crystal Palace.</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why does Paul Pogba split opinion?

<p>Joining Mark Chapman to look at the career of Paul Pogba as he turns 30 it's James Horncastle and Carl Anka.</p><p>Here they discuss whether the France and Juventus midfielder is overrated, why he has such a bad reputation in England, and whether Eric Ten Hag is actually the Manchester United manager that Pogba has been crying out for.</p><p>And with his return to Serie A not going to plan, it begs the question 'where next'? But why is the obvious answer not necessarily the correct one.</p><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</p><br><p>Produced by Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid? Who will win the race to sign Josko Gvardiol

<p>21-year-old Josko Gvardiol is a man in high demand. So, which European giant will win the race for his signature? Will Guardiola need to sell a defender first, can Todd Boehly's Chelsea keep spending and does Real Madrid's Champions League lure still trump the Premier League's riches? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus and Simon Johnson to discuss...</p><p>Plus, Rapha Honigstein explains Gvardiol's current contract situation at RB Leipzig, how big a transfer fee he would command and Nick Miller reveals what a former Croatia u21s coach told him about the man now being described as the 'Haaland of centre-backs'.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><br><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Jack Grealish became the most marketable British footballer since David Beckham

<p><br></p><p>***</p><p>This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Will Arsenal leave it late again, have Liverpool found their launchpad to fourth & how much danger are West Ham in?

<p>Dan Bardell is joined by Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Liverpool look to push on from their 7-0 thrashing of Man Utd, while Erik Ten Hag's side look for a response.</p><p>In the title race, Man City once again play ahead of Arsenal with Pep Guardiola's side taking on Crystal Palace followed by Arsenal travelling to Fulham on Sunday.</p><p>Down at the bottom Bournemouth welcome Liverpool, having already conceded nine to the Reds this season, Man Utd welcome Southampton and West Ham take on Aston Villa as the Hammers struggle to pull clear of danger.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Do we take pleasure from PSG’s failures?

<p>Joining Mark Chapman to talk through yet another Paris Saint-Germain Champions League exit is The Athletic's Peter Rutzler and french football expert Tom Williams.</p><p>After the French giants limped out of Europe's top club competition there will be plenty of sneering and sniggering towards them, but why is that? And is it fair to do so?</p><p>It's a result that forms more questions now than answers - what does the future of Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar look like now? Will their coach Christophe Galtier see through the rest of the season? And does this call for a complete change in approach by the club in how they build their squad?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>